Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The high-level committee set up to investigate the Goa University question paper leak scandal has submitted its report to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who has forwarded it to the Education Secretary for necessary action.
Speaking at the inauguration of the refurbished Goa Staff Selection Commission (GSSC) office at the Spaces Building in Patto on Wednesday, Sawant confirmed the development.
“The report of the fact-finding committee on the Goa University exam paper leak has been submitted to me. I have forwarded it to the Secretary of Education for appropriate action,” the Chief Minister said.
The inquiry was launched following allegations that Assistant Professor Dr Pranav Naik from the School of Physical & Applied Sciences leaked a Physics paper to benefit a student. The incident had sparked protests from student organisations including the NSUI and ABVP, demanding strict legal and institutional measures.
Goa University had initially formed an internal fact-finding panel to probe the allegations. Based on its findings, a police complaint was filed at Agassaim Police Station, resulting in an FIR against Naik under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for forgery, trespassing, housebreaking, and cheating.
The FIR alleges that Naik used forged duplicate keys to gain unauthorized access to faculty cabins and leaked examination materials. He continues to remain under suspension.
In addition to the internal probe, the State government had constituted a high-level inquiry committee headed by retired High Court judge RMS Khandeparkar. Other members included former DIG Bosco George, former GU registrar Radhika Nayak, and legal academic MRK Prasad.
Goa University has assured that the internal fact-finding report will also be presented before its Executive Council for disciplinary proceedings against the accused.
